Division Chief - Central

JOB SUMMARY

The Division Chief reports to the Chief of Schools at the Houston Independent School District (HISD) and is responsible for driving improved student outcomes across assigned Units/Divisions. This leader will leverage student performance and staff effectiveness data to develop and execute strategic initiatives that support schools across all feeder patterns. The Division Chief ensures that central office support is deployed efficiently and effectively to meet the diverse needs of schools and students. As part of HISD’s transformation efforts, this role requires an unwavering commitment to high performance, accountability, and continuous improvement in alignment with the district’s mission to prepare students for success in a rapidly evolving world.

MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

List most important duties first

1. Leadership & Performance Management
• Recruit, select, develop, and evaluate Senior Executive Directors of Instruction Units, ensuring alignment with HISD’s high-performance culture.
• Set bold, measurable, and achievable goals for Senior Executive Directors that drive student academic success and hold them accountable for results.
• Implement differentiated retention strategies to recognize and retain high-performing leaders while addressing performance gaps effectively.

2. Strategic Support & School Alignment
• Work within and across feeder patterns, ensuring schools receive the necessary support in the most efficient manner possible so that instructional staff can focus on student achievement.
• Collaborate with the Academics Office to ensure school needs are met, including overseeing specialized (federal) funding and compliance functions.

3. Stakeholder Engagement & Communication
• Serve as a district representative and communicate HISD’s strategic initiatives to increase student achievement while promoting the district’s mission.
• Act as a liaison between the Superintendent and the Board of Education, providing expert recommendations and supporting HISD initiatives.
• Attend all Board meetings and district functions, representing schools and advocating for their needs.

MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES CONTINUED

4. Data-Driven Decision Making & Accountability
• Define critical issues, identify resource needs, and establish clear performance goals aligned with student academic growth.
•   Utilize data to ensure instructional excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement at all levels.

5. Commitment to HISD’s High-Performance Culture
• Lead with a sense of urgency and accountability to drive transformational change in public education.
• Model and reinforce HISD’s vision for high-quality instruction—ensuring excellence in every classroom, every day.
• Ensure leaders and staff receive real-time, job-embedded coaching, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and professional growth.
• Manage time and resources efficiently, ensuring schools operate seamlessly, from early morning openings to instructional planning and execution.

6. Additional Responsibilities
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned, supporting the district’s mission and strategic priorities.
 

EDUCATION

Master's Degree

WORK EXPERIENCE

10 years in educational leadership within a large school system. Experience in an urban school district preferred. Experience as superintendent of schools, assistant superintendent or chief of staff at the district level is preferred.

Experience working with multi-layered budgets including state, federal and grant funds required. Must be effective with large forum public speaking engagements and presentations.

  Working experience with data driven accountability performance model.

SKILL AND/OR REQUIRED LICENSING/CERTIFICATION

SAP, Microsoft Office, Chancery

Teacher Certification, School Administrator Certification

LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES

HISD is undertaking the most comprehensive public education transformation in the country. Our leaders are expected to be catalysts for change, ensuring that every student receives excellent instruction and is prepared for the demands of the modern workforce. We operate in a high-performance culture where accountability is paired with strong support.

HISD leaders:

• Embody a growth mindset, continuously improving their leadership and instructional strategies.
• Reinforce instructional excellence, ensuring all teachers receive regular, real-time coaching and feedback.
• Manage time and resources effectively, upholding high expectations for punctuality, efficiency, and instructional impact.
• Drive results through accountability and support, ensuring that schools operate with discipline, order, and a focus on student achievement.

Choosing to lead in HISD means embracing the challenge of transforming public education at scale. If you are a leader committed to excellence and willing to be part of an elite team dedicated to student success, then we welcome you to join us in this historic effort.

WORK COMPLEXITY/INDEPENDENT JUDGMENT

Work is highly complex and broad in scope covering several departments/divisions across HISD. Policy, procedures and precedent are created and approved by this position. Supervision received typically consists of providing periodic coaching, advice and feedback.

BUDGET AUTHORITY

Participates in a group plan and/or budget development.

PROBLEM SOLVING

Greater latitude and discretion is warranted in making decisions which affect major areas of HISD and possibly the organization's public image. The job is constantly expected to apply creative solutions to complex problems and develop new ideas and concepts. Reviews and approves decisions and/or recommendations that may have a significant impact on the entire organization.

IMPACT OF DECISIONS

Decisions have a major impact to multiple divisions or the organization and may impact the general direction of HISD. Errors may cause continuous adverse influence on the future operations of the organization, in matters involving important customer commitments, organizational liability, and other matters which may appreciably affect future costs.

COMMUNICATION/INTERACTIONS

Negotiate and influence - interprets department strategies and services, resolves conflicts, influences outcomes on matters of significance for the division, conducts final negotiations and coordinates approvals/decision making below the executive level. Interactions are typically with customers and Top Management.

CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIPS

Leads others in the resolution of highly sensitive and confidential issues on behalf of the department. Acts as a trusted advisor, and becomes involved in the customer's decision making process including presenting alternatives and information and applying persuasion and negotiation skills in the resolution of problems. Monitors customer service standards.

WORKING/ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Work is normally performed in a typical interior work environment, which does not subject the employee to any hazardous or unpleasant elements.

• Valid Texas driver’s license with applicable insurance coverage.
• Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment, including personal computer and peripherals
• Posture: Prolonged sitting; occasional bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting
• Motion: Repetitive hand motions including frequent keyboarding and use of mouse; occasional reaching
• Lifting: Occasional light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds)
• Environment: Prolonged or irregular hours, including some weekends; frequent districtwide travel
• Mental Demands: Work with frequent interruptions, maintain emotional control under stress, fast-paced